Hair Love Art Studio: An Interview with Natural Hair Salon Owner Aeleise Jana

Like most independent business owners, Aeleise’s road to success has been lined with detours. After earning her degree in Art and a license in Cosmetology, Aeleise spent years managing and coordinating other salons before opening Hair Love Art Studio, a Natural Hair Salon, in May of 2012. Now, she specializes in providing clients with great cuts and comprehensive knowledge of how to style their own hair at home. I’ve been natural myself for years (see my natural hair story here) and recently visited Hair Love Art Studio looking for a new style and a lesson in how to work with my own hair type and texture at home.

Kari – Aeleise, what drew you back to Hair after pursuing an Art career?

Aeleise – I majored in Art and wanted to work with my degree. After some time though, I just couldn’t not do hair anymore! (laughs) I love the salon world. I love the atmosphere. I love the people. The creative environment fits my personality.

Kari – How was Hair Love Art Studio born?

Aeleise – Hair Love Art Studio came from my own need for a natural hair stylist. When I moved back to Chicago from school in Florida I had relaxed hair, but after doing a ‘big chop’ (cutting off the chemically processed ends of one’s hair) there was no stylist I could find who I trusted and had the scientific knowledge I had behind styling natural hair.

Kari – So how did you find employees who were as concerned with hair health as you are?

Aeleise – I went after stylists who either recently graduated or were assistants at other salons – people who were open to more training and not yet tainted by a set way of doing things. Here at Hair Love Art Studio we are constantly improving our training and expertise. We’re always striving to learn more. Two years ago, I went to New York for the Deva Cut certification and this year we’ll be going back to earn an advanced certification. Our philosophy is that you can never stop improving your craft.

(Click HERE to learn what the Deva Cut is all about!)

Kari – You’re trained in the Deva Cut method, and also taught by Aveda – any other specialties?

Aeleise – Cutting hair is my specialty; it’s what I love to do!

Kari – I can personally say that while you love cutting hair you never cut more than necessary. You’re not a hair butcher!

Aeleise – No! Really and truly, cutting hair is more about what you leave on than what you take off. I have an entire dissertation on maintaining length because many of the practices we see on blogs or YouTube are actually anti-length retention.

Kari – Such as?

Aeleise – Namely, co-washing and not trimming your hair. Hair is a fabric and, just like a spool of thread that has become worn and torn, it will fray! It’s up to you to determine how far you want that hair to fray. Trimming is necessary. Are you only cutting your hair once or twice a year? For some, that may be effective. For most, it’s probably not. Each individual must take into account their hair texture and how often their strands are manipulated. I don’t make blanket recommendations for when people should get their hair cut but I will say that everyone needs a routine cut.

To me, there’s no such thing as a ‘trim’. Whether I’m cutting a quarter of an inch or 12 inches off, I’m following the same techniques and methodology. I’m going to do whatever is best for the hair.

Kari – Tell us more about your membership program.

Aeleise – I personally am no longer accepting clients on a one service basis but I do offer a membership program. For a flat monthly fee receive weekly or semi-monthly services. Details can be found on our website. I changed to a membership program because I have a very wonderful, dedicated, clientele base who enjoy their time here and are all about routine hair care. However, we DO have other wonderful hair care specialists offering single services. They were amazing before they came to Hair Love Art Studio and they’re even better now. We all share the same knowledge and hair theory.

Kari – Any thoughts you wish to share with current clients and those considering natural hair for the first time?

Aeleise – You must be willing to accept your hair for what it is. Most of us have to work on our mental before we can work on the physical. Going natural is 90% in your head and 10% on your head. So you have to improve your self-image first. We can help you but no one can give you something you’re not ready for.

Schedule an appointment with any stylist at Hair Love Art Studio on StyleSeat.

HairLoveArt Studio, 3030 E. 79th St, Unit B Chicago, Illinois 60649

 www.HairLoveArt.com

All photos from Aeleise's StyleSeat profile